North Carolina is a beautiful place to begin a career as a welder. Welders in the state enjoy consistent job opportunities while having the luxury of improving themselves and getting even better contracts.
It goes without saying that before you can become a welder in North Carolina, you have to understand what the field entails and the duties in the first place.
From there, you can then evaluate the best destinations to receive training, along with other requirements that must be fulfilled to begin your career. Thankfully, all of these things are what we explore in great detail below.
How to Become a Welder in North Carolina
As an aspiring welder in North Carolina, the following are the steps you will have to pass through to begin your professional career.
Step 1: Fulfill the Prerequisite Requirements
In North Carolina, an aspiring welder must have a high school diploma or a GED. They should also endeavor to take courses relating to the field even as early as their high school days. This will give them the foundation needed for a successful career.
Step 2: Participate in a Welding Training Program
The next step after fulfilling the basic requirements is to participate in a welding training program. Usually, there are two alternatives to consider, which are the academic programs and the apprenticeship programs.
Academic Programs
Academic programs teach aspiring welders the required courses through classroom instructions and practical application sessions. Candidates must determine which program fits their needs best by consulting a resource such as this page and reviewing the available alternatives.
Candidates may also consult the school for more information about the program.
Usually, academic programs for aspiring welders in North Carolina typically offer either a certificate or an associate degree.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer an opportunity for aspiring welders in North Carolina to receive their training in a workshop environment that includes many hands-on practical applications. These programs last for four years and incorporate a degree of mentorship from established welders in the state.
Step 3: Take the Certification Exam
Lastly, after obtaining their training, aspiring welders in North Carolina are advised to sit for a certification exam to acquire professional credentials. This will help them stand out. We take a look at some prominent certification alternatives below.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
North Carolina does not issue a welding license at the state level. Fresh welders may secure employment even without official credentials.
However, as mentioned above, obtaining professional credentials can help welders stand out, secure employment, and further their careers. This is why many welders in the state choose to go apply for the Certified Welder credential offered by the American Welding Society.
To obtain this credential, candidates must sit for an examination, attain a passing score, and renew their license yearly.
Other available credentials from the American Welding Society include the Certified Welding Inspector credential, Senior Certified Welding Inspector credential, Certified Welding Educator, Certified Welding Supervisor, and Certified Welding Sales Representative, among others.
Top Welding Schools in North Carolina
Aspiring welders in North Carolina may attend the following welding schools for high-quality training.
Blue Ridge Community College
Future welders at Blue Ridge Community College will have a chance to earn a certificate in one of seven specialty areas. Candidates may also choose a diploma or an associate of applied science degree program.
As expected, the associate degree program will take two years to complete, while the certificate programs will be completed in a year.
Gaston College
Gaston College offers aspiring welders in North Carolina the opportunity to earn a diploma or an array of certificates. The program also includes a great deal of flexibility, with students choosing between a full-time and part-time learning arrangement.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers aviation maintenance training nationwide, but the school also has a program for future welders. Along with graduating with their program certificate, students will also be able to earn the Certified Welder credential from the American Welding Society.
Explore welding schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
As an aspiring welder in North Carolina, you may look forward to an annual average salary of $43,521. This is when you get to the midpoint of your career. Starting, you can earn an average wage closer to $32,192, the average annual salary for those on the lower end of the earning bracket.
Those who earn the most in the state tend to take home as high as $58,837 in annual average salary. Location also plays a part in determining where a welder will fall in the salary bracket.
Pineville and Charlotte are the highest-paying cities for welders in North Carolina, with annual average salaries of $52,881 and $50,169. Fletcher, Mount Airy, and Kernersville complete the top five with average yearly wages of $49,497, $45,525, and $43,674, respectively.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
